Alberta Golf wrapped up its double header yesterday with three champions being named at the two sites. The 114th Alberta Men’s Amateur was played at the end of Highway 63 at the stunning Fort McMurray Golf Club, while down south in Calgary The Hamptons Golf Club hosted the 113th Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship.

114th Men’s Amateur Championship

The 114th Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship returned to Fort McMurray Golf Club for the first time since 2007, when Mitch Fox claimed the title. While both the course and the community have endured significant challenges in recent years, including devastating wildfires and flooding, the pride of the membership remains as strong as ever.

From the moment players arrived, that pride was impossible to miss. Welcome signs greeted competitors at the entrance, championship banners celebrating past winners lined the property, and even designated practice spots on the driving range had been reserved for the field. It was a fitting welcome for one of Alberta’s most prestigious championships.

Although the field was without two-time defending champion Hunter Thomson, the level of competition remained exceptionally high. The championship featured an impressive collection of collegiate athletes, Alberta Golf High-Performance Program members, past provincial champions, interprovincial team representatives, and even an Alberta Golf Hall of Fame member, making for one of the strongest amateur fields in the province.

The opening round was played under warm, sunny skies with temperatures climbing to 27°C. Only four players managed to navigate both the heat and the challenging layout at even par or better. Ryan Gillis and Neil Thomas shared the first-round lead after matching rounds of 69 (-3), while Tobias Buffam sat just three shots back following an even-par 72.

Round two proved to be a marathon. Play was suspended for two hours because of inclement weather after only two groups had reached the golf course. Once play resumed, the morning wave benefited from softer conditions and relatively calm weather, while the afternoon competitors battled steady rain for much of their round before the skies finally cleared. Despite the changing conditions, only five players finished the day under par, setting the stage for a tightly contested final round.

That anticipated battle quickly turned into a commanding performance by Tobias Buffam.

After beginning the day just three shots off the lead, Buffam caught fire immediately, birdieing each of his first three holes and five of his opening seven. By the turn, he had built an astonishing nine-shot advantage over the field. Although a few bogeys appeared on the inward nine, his early surge proved more than enough as he closed with a four-under-par 68 to finish the championship at 72-69-68.

The victory marks Buffam’s second provincial championship, adding the Alberta Men’s Amateur title to his 2025 Boys’ U19 Championship. His win also secured him a place on Alberta’s 2027 Morse Cup Team, as well as a spot on the province’s Willingdon Cup Team for the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship later this month.

Joining Buffam on the Willingdon Cup Team are Neil Thomas of Edmonton Country Club and Jordan Gustman of The Bridges at Claresholm. An additional 15 Alberta players also earned exemptions into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, which will be contested later this month on home soil at Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Pointe Golf Club.

113th Women’s Amateur Championship

For the first time, the 113th Women’s Amateur Championship competed at The Hamptons Golf Club in Calgary. Despite being settled in a neighbourhood surrounded by homes, The Hamptons is its own secluded world featuring stunning views. In addition to its views, The Hamptons contains narrow fairways, large lakes, and so many trees it feels like a forest—all of which proved to challenge the players throughout the championship. This championship looked to crown champions in three different divisions: the Amateur, the Mid-Amateur, and the Mid-Master.

The field was comprised of players from many different walks of life developing an intense competition across all divisions. Four-time Mid-Amateur Champion Meaghan LeBlanc returned to the field after not competing last year. Additionally, defending Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master Champion Kassie Bourassa and 2025 U17 and U19 Champion Saylar May were notable names competing this week.

Round one was played under the sun while players looked to navigate a course with a difficult layout. The courses difficulty was apparent in round one scores with only one player shooting par. Emily Cornwall had a one stroke lead after the first day, with three players following at +1—Jayla Kucy, Coryn Tardif, and Niya Friesen.

In the Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions Carly McNaughton led after day one shooting a 74. Meaghan LeBlanc was not far behind with a 77 in both divisions. Jenn Orcheski followed in the Mid-Amateur division with a 79 while Charmaine Hayden followed in the Mid-Master division with an 80.

On day two the players were faced with high heat as the temperature reached 27°C. Players were challenged by both the course and the heat on this day, but one player managed to shoot the best round of the tournament. Tessa Ion shot an impressive 68 following her 76 from day 1. This score allowed her to climb the leaderboard while others fell. May stayed consistent throughout day one and two, shooting 75 on both days putting her tied for second after day 2. Cornwall struggled on day 2 shooting a 78, but this only dropped her down to second, tied with May.

The Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master players faced the same struggles with the heat on day two with many scores dropping. This was not the case for Kaitlin Taylor who put herself back in contention in the Mid-Amateur by shooting a 78 after shooting an 83 on day one putting her at +17 going into day three. LeBlanc took the lead at +13 going into day three, followed by Orcheski at +16, and McNaughton tied with Taylor at +17 in the Mid-Amateur. LeBlanc also took the lead in the Mid-Master followed by McNaughton at +17 and Hayden at +20.

By day three the pressure was on, especially for Ion who had broken a course record the day before and was leading the Amateur by six strokes. Through nine holes, Ion put herself at -2 with a lead of five strokes. Hole 10 challenged Ion who took a triple bogey putting her up to +1, but she recovered making two birdies and six pars in the rest of the of her round. Her hot round on day two set her up well, giving her a lead that no one was able to catch allowing her to claim the 113th Women’s Amateur Championship.

Back on the Mid-Amateur side, LeBlanc was +2 on the day through six holes before she double bogeyed on hole seven, but she recovered well with a successful long birdie putt on eight. Taylor crept close to LeBlanc, but a bogey on 18 after she nearly chipped in for birdie left her two strokes behind. In addition to her Mid-Amateur win, LeBlanc captured the Mid-Master win by 18 strokes.

Tessa Ion, Emily Cornwall, and Saylar May will represent Team Alberta in the 112th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship in Mississauga at The Toronto Golf Club. Jenn Orcheski, Carly McNaughton, and Jin Yeo will represent Team Alberta in the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship in Burlington at the Burlington Golf & Country Club.

Notable Highlights

• Reid Casavant recorded the championship’s only hole-in-one, acing the 221-yard 4th hole while playing in the opening group of the tournament. The ace was the first of his career and Alberta Golf’s second hole-in-one of the 2026 championship season.
• Tobias Buffam was the only player in the field to shoot even par or better in all three rounds of the championship.
  
  • Tessa Ion set a new competitive course record from the tournament ladies tees at The Hamptons Golf Club with her 68 in round two.
  • Meaghan LeBlanc captured her fifth Mid-Amateur win and her first Mid-Master win with Alberta Golf.

Up next, Alberta Golf heads to The Coyote in Sundre for the U19 Championship beginning on July 14th.

This week, Alberta Golf presents a championship doubleheader, as the Alberta Men’s Amateur and Alberta Women’s Amateur Championships will be contested simultaneously. Both championships begin on July 7, with the final putts set to drop on July 9. Here’s a closer look at each championship, the host courses, and the players competing for two of Alberta’s most prestigious amateur titles.

The 113th Alberta Women’s Amateur

The Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship is one of the province’s original amateur championships, with a history dating back to 1907. The first recorded champion was Mrs. W.N. Clark. The championship predates both the Alberta Golf Association and the Alberta Ladies Golf Association. The current championship trophy dates back to 1928, when the Alberta Ladies Golf Association officially joined the Canadian Ladies Golf Union.

Throughout its history, the Women’s Amateur has served as a proving ground for many of Alberta’s finest golfers. Its list of champions includes names such as Betty Stanhope Cole, Marilyn O’Connor, Jessica Luciuk, Kareen Qually, Jaclyn Lee, Jennifer Ha, and, more recently, Eileen Park and Carys Code.

Also contested during the week are the Women’s Mid-Amateur and Women’s Mid-Master Championships. These age-based competitions allow golfers aged 25 and older and 40 and older to compete for their respective titles while also competing in the overall championship.
The championship also features six interprovincial team positions. The top three overall finishers will earn spots on Alberta’s Women’s Interprovincial Team, while the top three Mid-Amateur finishers will qualify for the Women’s Mid-Amateur Interprovincial Team. In addition, five quota spots are available for the highest-finishing Alberta players to advance to the Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship.

The Course

The Hamptons Golf Club will host Alberta’s top female amateur golfers for the first time in the club’s history. Located in the northwest Calgary community that shares its name, The Hamptons is no stranger to welcoming elite competition. Click the link below to read the full championship and course preview, written by Taylor Tracey for the 2026 Alberta Golf Yearbook.

113th Women’s Amateur Preview Article

The Players

The Women’s Amateur remains a must-play championship for many of Alberta’s top junior golfers, but this year’s field is filled with talent across every age division. Here are some of the names to watch this week.

Women’s Amateur Pairings

The 114th Alberta Men’s Amateur

Like the Women’s Amateur, the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship is steeped in history, predating the official formation of the Alberta Golf Association. Unlike the Women’s Amateur, however, the championship trophy has remained largely unchanged since its inception. The bowl atop the trophy is the original Cross Cup, donated by Charles Wilson Cross. The trophy base was added in 1976 to honour Charlie Scott, one of the most influential figures in Alberta golf history.

Learn more about the history of the men’s and women’s amateur trophies

Simply earning a place in the championship field is an accomplishment, as players must qualify through one of three provincial qualifying tournaments held each year. The qualification process ensures the province’s top 120 amateur golfers compete for the championship.

Over the years, the Men’s Amateur has crowned many of Alberta’s most accomplished golfers. Champions include Charlie Hague, the legendary “Big Three” of Wylie, Alexander, and Silverberg, as well as professionals Wes Heffernan, Darryl James, Ryan Yip, Scott Stiles. Don’t forget about back-to-back champion Brett Jones in 2024 and 2025, who just claimed the 2026 Mickelson National Amateur Division.

The champion not only claims the Alberta Men’s Amateur title but also earns the first position on Alberta’s 2027 Morse Cup Team for the Pacific Coast Amateur Championship. Beyond the championship itself, players are also competing for three positions on Alberta’s Willingdon Cup Team for the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, along with 18 Alberta quota spots into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship, which will be hosted in Alberta.

The Course

Nestled in the Boreal Forest of northern Alberta along the Athabasca River, Fort McMurray Golf Club provides a spectacular setting for this year’s championship. The 27-hole facility welcomes the Alberta Men’s Amateur back for the first time since hosting the event in 2007. Click the button below to read the full championship and course preview from the 2026 Alberta Golf Yearbook, written by Taylor Tracey.

114th Men’s Amateur Preview

The Players

With the back-to-back defending champion absent from the field, a new champion will lift the Charles Scott Memorial Trophy and Cross Cup on July 9. The field features no shortage of experienced competitors capable of capturing Alberta’s most prestigious amateur title. Here are some of the names to watch.

Men’s Amateur Pairings

The second event of the 2026 championship season finished yesterday with the Men’s Mid-Master Championship at Water Valley Golf Club. After both Mid-Master qualifiers were delayed due to weather, everyone was ready for some sunshine. The weather cooperated all three days allowing the players to focus on their game without the added challenge of rain. With nearly a full field of players, this championship welcomed back familiar faces such as the 2025 defending champion Tom McKinlay Jr, 2025 Senior defending champion Howard Broun, and 2024 and 2025 Senior Interprovincial team member Senan Foley. 

Day 1 saw many competitive scores with twelve players shooting par or less. Day 2 played trickier for some of the players as only 6 of them shot par or less. Going into day 3 there were two key players to watch as they were the only ones to shoot par or better on both day 1 and day 2: Ryan Tutak and Matthew Kern. Having both shot 71 and 72 in the first two days, it was clear they were not going down without a fight on day three. 

Tutak started strong with 3 birdies in the first 4 holes to put him at 4 under quickly. Kern also had a good start with 3 pars and a birdie, but Tutak’s hot start left Kern chasing for the rest of the round. 

After an impressive first 8 holes, Tutak bogeyed 9. When asked about how he moved past it he said, “I tried to make the putt for 4, and was happy I made the putt for 4 and then forgot about it when I stepped on the tenth tee.” Despite the bogey and close scores, Tutak maintained his composure and shot an impressive 68 to finish the tournament at -5. 

In addition to winning it all, Tutak placed first in the 40-49 division. Dan Soley placed first in 50-59 division finishing the tournament at +4. Senan Foley placed first in the 60+ division finishing at +3. 

The full leaderboard can be found at the link below, including scoring data from all the players.

Men’s Mid-Master Leaderboard

Notable Highlights

• This was the first year the Men’s Mid-Master had qualifiers due to high demand to play in the tournament. Players who placed in the top 32 will not have to qualify for the 2027 Championship.
• Grant Lee had a hole in one on hole 2 (138 yards) during the first day.
• Ryan Tutak captured his first Alberta Golf Tournament win after competing in other events with high finishes. With this win, he earned a spot to the 2026 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship in August. 
• Up next, Alberta Golf has a double championship week starting July 6 with both our Women’s and Men’s Amateurs kicking off. The Women’s Amateur will take place at The Hamptons Golf Club in Calgary, while the Men’s Amateur gets underway at the Fort McMurray Golf Club.

After a month marked by rain delays, postponements, and a busy schedule of one-day qualifiers, Alberta Golf’s championship season is finally ready to hit full stride. The 2026 Men’s Mid-Master Championship gets underway tomorrow at Water Valley Golf Club, with competitors set to tee off in a double crossover format beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by a second wave at 1:00 p.m.

From a championship-calibre field to one of Alberta’s most celebrated golf courses, here’s everything you need to know before the first tee shot is struck.

The Event

The Men’s Mid-Master Championship has become one of the most sought-after events on Alberta Golf’s championship calendar. Originally contested as part of the Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship, the event was eventually separated into its own three-day championship due to overwhelming demand from competitors.

That popularity has only continued to grow. In recent years, registration day became a race to secure a spot, with waitlists surpassing 100 players. To address the increasing demand and ensure the strongest possible field, Alberta Golf introduced qualifying events in 2026, creating a fair and competitive pathway into the championship.

Open to male golfers aged 40 and older with a Handicap Index of 15.0 or lower, the championship features 36 holes of stroke play before the field is reduced to the top 60 players and ties for the final round. While there is no interprovincial team competition attached to the event, the champion will earn one of Alberta’s quota spots into the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Competitors will also battle for honours within their respective age divisions in addition to the overall title.

The Players

The Men’s Mid-Master Championship consistently attracts many of Alberta’s top amateur golfers, including some of the province’s most accomplished veterans and perennial contenders. With a deep and talented field assembled once again, there will be no shortage of storylines to follow throughout the week. Here’s a closer look at the players and groups to watch as the championship unfolds.

The Course

Known by its members as “Alberta’s Jewel of the West,” Water Valley Golf Club has built a reputation as one of the province’s premier championship venues. Its scenic setting, challenging layout, and exceptional conditioning have made it a favourite among golfers and tournament organizers alike, including Alberta Golf.

As the club prepares to welcome the Men’s Mid-Master Championship, take a deeper look at the course and what players can expect this week in the full championship and course preview, written by Todd Saelhof for the 2026 Alberta Golf Yearbook.

The Men’s Mid-Master Takes On The Changes At Water Valley By Todd Saelhof

In 2026, the Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship will make its return to northern Alberta, hosted by a venue with a proven history of championship golf. The beautiful Fort McMurray Golf Club, which most recently hosted the 2021 Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship and previously the 2007 Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship, will welcome the province’s top amateur golfers from July 7–9 for the 114th playing of Alberta’s premier amateur championship.

The Course

Fort McMurray Golf Club features an impressive 27-hole facility that provides both members and public golfers with a unique playing experience. Situated within the boreal forest and the Athabasca River Valley, the course offers a setting unlike any other on the provincial championship schedule.

For many competitors, this will be their first opportunity to compete in such surroundings, creating a true test of concentration and adaptability. While the scenery is spectacular, the tree-lined corridors of the boreal forest demand precision and strategic decision-making. Accuracy, particularly off the tee, will be at a premium as players carefully balance distance with dispersion when selecting clubs throughout the championship.

Host Club Website

The Event

The Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship is the province’s oldest amateur golf tournament and one of the longest-running championships in Canada. Its origins date back to 1907, predating the formation of the Alberta Golf Association itself.

Players earn their place in the championship field through one of three regional qualifying events unless exempt through previous achievements. This process ensures that the field represents the strongest amateur golfers from across Alberta.

The champion will also earn the distinction of becoming the first member of the 2027 Alberta Morse Cup Team, securing a place in the prestigious Pacific Coast Amateur Championship. In addition, several quota positions into the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship will be awarded to top finishers. This year’s national championship will be contested in Alberta at Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Pointe Golf Club.

Inside the Field

With qualifying now complete, the championship field has begun to take shape. With the two-time defending champion absent, a new Alberta Men’s Amateur Champion will be crowned in Fort McMurray.

Identifying a favourite, however, is no easy task. The field includes an impressive collection of past champions, provincial team members, and rising stars, including:

• Neil Thomas — Back-to-Back Alberta Men’s Mid-Amateur Champion
• David Schultz — Alberta Golf Hall of Fame Member
• Braden O’Grady — 2022 Alberta Men’s Amateur Champion
• Chase Strang — Defending U17 Boys Champion
• Shiro Mani — 2022 and 2023 Alberta Men’s Mid-Master Champion
• Russell Quinn and Jalen Apedoe — 2025 Alberta U19 Boys Team Members
• Ryan Gillis — 2026 Alberta Morse Cup Team Member

Beyond those names, the championship field features a deep roster of accomplished competitors, including Paxton Maxwell, Chase Lassman, Brae Rogalczyk, Kye Fisher, and Josiah Tong.

With so much talent making the journey to “The Fort,” the 114th Alberta Men’s Amateur Championship promises to deliver exciting competition, momentum swings, and memorable moments. Over three days, players will be challenged not only by one of Alberta’s most distinctive championship venues but also by the strength of the field around them. The competitor who can remain focused and execute under pressure will earn the title of Alberta Men’s Amateur Champion.

The Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship has a rich history spanning more than a century, with the province’s premier female golfers competing at some of Alberta’s finest venues. In 2026, the championship will visit a new host site, as The Hamptons Golf Club welcomes the province’s top female amateurs from July 7–9. While it will be the first time the championship has been contested at The Hamptons, the club is no stranger to elite competition and will look to add another chapter to its distinguished history.

The Course

Since opening in 1993, The Hamptons Golf Club has established itself as one of Calgary’s premier golf facilities. Winding through the community that shares its name, the course offers immaculate playing conditions, highlighted by meticulously maintained fairways and greens. Mature trees frame many of the holes, creating a sense of seclusion and enhancing the overall playing experience.

Signature water features on holes 7 and 18 provide both visual appeal and strategic challenges that competitors will need to navigate throughout the championship. Despite its relatively young history, The Hamptons has welcomed players and events of the highest calibre, with legends such as Lee Trevino, Pat McGann, Annika Sörenstam, and many others having competed on its grounds.

The Hamptons Golf Club Website

The Event

The 2026 championship marks the first time The Hamptons Golf Club has hosted the Alberta Women’s Amateur Championship, adding an extra layer of excitement for competitors and spectators alike.

The championship is open to female golfers with a Handicap Index of 20.0 or lower. In addition to the Women’s Amateur Championship, the event will also crown champions in the Women’s Mid-Amateur and Women’s Mid-Master divisions. The Mid-Amateur Championship is open to players aged 25 and older, while the Mid-Master Championship is open to players aged 40 and older as of the first day of the Canadian Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship.

There is even more at stake than provincial titles. Interprovincial Team positions will be awarded in both the Amateur and Mid-Amateur divisions, with the top three eligible finishers in each division earning the opportunity to represent Alberta on the national stage. With three championship titles and six coveted interprovincial team spots available, competitors will have plenty to play for over what promises to be an exciting three days of competition.

Adding to the championship atmosphere, the popular content creators Club Twirls With The Girls will be onsite throughout the event, providing enhanced coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive player interviews.

Women’s Amateur Registration Page

Inside the Field

In 2025, Carys Code captured the Women’s Amateur Championship title, while Kassie Bourassa swept both the Women’s Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master championships. While Code is not currently entered to defend her title, Bourassa returns with the opportunity to defend her impressive double crown.

Among the leading contenders in the Mid-Amateur and Mid-Master divisions is Heather Lee, who has returned to competitive golf and comes from one of Alberta’s most accomplished golfing families at Edmonton Country Club. Jenn Orcheski will also be a player to watch after earning consecutive selections to Alberta’s Mid-Amateur Interprovincial Team. With national team opportunities once again on the line, she will undoubtedly be motivated to contend for the championship.

Several newcomers will also look to make their mark at The Hamptons, including Charmaine Hayden, Danielle Sundquist, and Cynthia Adamek.

Attention will also be focused on the race for the title of 113th Alberta Women’s Amateur Champion. Many of the players competing in the age-group divisions will also be in contention for the overall championship, creating the possibility of multiple trophy-winning performances.

Among the favourites is Saylar May, who enters the championship following back-to-back U17 Girls’ Championship victories and a 2026 U19 Girls’ Championship title. A victory at The Hamptons would add another significant achievement to her growing résumé.

Sydney Bisgrove will also be a strong contender after returning to the winner’s circle last season with a victory in the Women’s Division of the inaugural Alberta Open. Other notable competitors include Tessa Ion, Sophie Dhaliwal, Alessandra Sundquist, Eva Hogue, Asstha Savadatti, Emily Cornwall, Justine Leon, Aliyah Hull, Raylee Denton, Sela Ogada, and many others who bring championship experience and Team Alberta credentials to an exceptionally strong field.

Looking Ahead

With so much talent assembled, predicting a champion will be no easy task. The Hamptons Golf Club presents a stern test, particularly on its undulating and fast greens, where precision and patience will be critical.

When the championship arrives in early July, the player who best manages the challenges of the course and rises to the occasion over three days of competition will earn the opportunity to lift one—or perhaps several—of Alberta’s most prestigious women’s golf trophies.

The 2026 championship season officially began yesterday with the fourth edition of the Alberta Best Ball Championship at Sundre Golf Club. The championship featured a full field of 120 players and welcomed many familiar faces back to competitive golf, including the defending champions from 2025, standout university players such as Paxton Maxwell, and veteran competitors including Grant Lee and Ken Griffith.

While several notable names were in contention throughout the day, it was the young duo of Saylar May and Brae Rogalczyk who captured the 2026 Alberta Best Ball Championship title with an impressive bogey-free round of 61 (-11).

The pair put together an outstanding performance that included two eagle chip-ins from Rogalczyk and seven additional birdies. Their resilience was also on display with a chip-in for par that helped preserve a clean scorecard throughout the round.

“I think it’s great,” said Rogalczyk when asked about the Best Ball Championship kicking off his season. “It’s one of the first tournaments of the year, but it’s nice to get out there. There’s a little less pressure because you’re playing as a team, and it’s the perfect venue.” May echoed his comments and added “it makes it more fun because usually it’s just you out there”.

In the Net Division, AJ Mark and Ryan O’Neill claimed victory with a bogey-free net score of 63 (-9). Their round featured two net eagles on par fives as they secured the championship.

The full leaderboard can be found at the link below, including scoring date from all the players.

Best Ball Leaderboard

Notable Highlights

• The 2026 Alberta Best Ball Championship once again proved to be one of Alberta Golf’s most popular events, selling out in under 30 minutes.
• Saylar May became the first female competitor to win the Alberta Best Ball Championship. The victory adds to an already impressive resume that includes the 2024 and 2025 U17 Girls’ Championships, along with the 2025 U19 Girls’ Championship.
• Brae Rogalczyk earned his first Alberta Golf championship victory after several previous close finishes. The win adds to a growing list of accomplishments that includes five MJT victories in 2025 and selection to the 2024 Alberta-Montana Ryder Cup Team.
• The 2025 defending champions finished tied for 24th at 2-under-par (70). Other notable teams finishing tied for 14th included Cartwright/Maxwell, Maxwell/Utley, Butterfield/Butterfield, Scott/Hilsenteger, Rawe/Demorest, and SAIT Trojans teammates Colberg/Lehmann.

• The championship schedule gets put on hold for the next month until the 2026 Mid-Master Championship gets underway at Water Valley Golf Club on June 23. In the meantime, Alberta Golf will begin running qualifiers for the Men’s Amateur, Alberta Open, Men’s Mid-Amateur, Men’s Senior, and Men’s Mid-Master Championships.

The 2026 championship season officially begins tomorrow with the Alberta Best Ball Championship at Sundre Golf Club. Now entering its third year, the event has quickly established itself as a favourite among competitors from across the province. Before the season gets underway, here’s a closer look at what makes the championship such a unique and popular stop on the Alberta Golf calendar.

The Event

Introduced in 2023 as a relaxed, early-season competition designed to help players ease back into tournament golf, the Alberta Best Ball Championship has rapidly become a staple on many competitors’ schedules. The inaugural field featured 80 players before growing to 100 the following year and reaching a full field of 120 players in each of the last two seasons. Demand for the event has continued to rise, with registration selling out in under 30 minutes in both 2024 and 2025.

The championship is contested in a two-person best ball format, where each player competes with their own ball throughout the round. At the conclusion of each hole, the team records the lower of the two scores as its official score. The format is especially appealing early in the season, as it encourages aggressive play while also providing players with the security of a partner’s score if they encounter trouble on a hole.

The event is open to players of all skill levels, with no handicap requirements. Teams may be comprised of male, female, or mixed-gender pairings, further contributing to the championship’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Event Format

Event Leaderboard

The Course

Sundre Golf Club has proudly hosted the championship since its inception in 2023. The course’s tight, strategic layout is ideally suited to the best ball format, often encouraging one player to take a conservative approach off the tee while their partner attacks more aggressive lines and scoring opportunities.

The 18-hole facility features challenging golf for players of all abilities, highlighted by rolling greens, mature trees, and picturesque water features throughout the property. In addition to the course itself, the club offers practice facilities, professional instruction, club and cart rentals, and a renovated clubhouse complete with a pro shop and restaurant.

Alberta’s Trophy 18 – ONe Highlight Hole From Every Alberta Host Venue (Sundre #8)

The Players

With 120 players in the field, the 2026 championship features an impressive mix of established competitors, rising stars, and recognizable names from across Alberta golf. Here are several teams to watch this week:

Family Connections

The championship field also features several family pairings and head-to-head matchups:

• Joe and Sean Kelly will once again compete together, while Brad Kelly takes on his sons in the field.
• Brothers Curtis and Troy Butterfield reunite as teammates for another season.
• Ben Lehmann and Zach Lehmann will compete against one another, with Zach teaming up alongside college teammate Chris Colberg.

A Championship for All Ages

The Alberta Best Ball Championship continues to showcase the diversity of Alberta’s golf community, including a wide range of ages competing side-by-side.

• Oldest Team (Combined Age): Ken Griffith (65) & Grant Lee (62)
• Youngest Team (Combined Age): Judah Wurtz (16) & Andrew Schmidt (16)

With a full field, an exciting format, and a strong mix of talent throughout the draw, the Alberta Best Ball Championship promises to provide an exciting start to the 2026 championship season. Play begins tomorrow with a shotgun start at 12:00 p.m.

Water Valley has established itself as a preferred host venue for Alberta’s प्रमुख golf organizations over the past five years, including the PGA of Alberta, the CGA, and Alberta Golf. During that time, the club has welcomed a range of championships, such as the Match Play in 2022 and the U19 Championship in 2025. In 2026, a new demographic will arrive at “Alberta’s Jewel of the West,” as the Men’s Mid-Master Championship takes centre stage from June 23–25.

The Course

Located just one hour outside of Calgary, the course offers striking mountain views, undulating fairways, and towering evergreens that create a sense of seclusion on every hole. While accuracy off the tee is essential, the true challenge lies on the greens. At first glance, many players may underestimate their complexity, but the exceptional work of the turf care team ensures pristine conditions that demand precise reads and a confident touch. Although the yardage may suggest scoring opportunities, the tree-lined corridors quickly dispel any notion of a “bomb and gouge” approach. Off-season renovations have further enhanced the course, adding length and reinforcing its reputation as a premier championship venue.

Water Valley GOlf Club Website

The Event

The course is not alone in undergoing change this winter. Alberta Golf’s Men’s Mid-Master Championship—one of the organization’s most popular events—has also evolved. The introduction of North and South qualifiers adds a new layer of competitiveness, while the three-day championship format, implemented in 2022, remains in place. Open to male competitors aged 40 and older as of the first day of the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur, the event offers more than just a title; the champion will earn a coveted berth into the national championship. Beyond the competition, the event is widely regarded for its camaraderie. As one of the first events on the championship calendar, it provides a long-awaited opportunity for players—both seasoned seniors and newly eligible competitors—to reconnect after the winter months.

The Field

With a deep and talented field expected, identifying a clear favourite is no simple task. In 2025, Tom McKinlay Jr. captured victory at his home course, Lacombe Golf & Country Club, during its centennial year. Given his pedigree, a repeat performance is certainly within reach, though the path to defending his title will be formidable.

A strong contingent of past champions returns, including Senan Foley, Shiro Mani, Grant Oh, and Kevin Temple—each well-versed in what it takes to win. The championship has also begun to attract international attention, with competitors from the United States making their presence felt. Among them is 2024 champion Chris Thayer, who finished runner-up in 2025 and will undoubtedly be a contender once again.

The Men’s Senior division will also present a significant challenge, with experienced competitors such as Brian Laubman, Floyd Kilgore, David Schultz, and Ken Griffith all capable of contending. Finally, the addition of qualifying events ensures an influx of emerging talent, guaranteeing that the eventual champion will need to overcome both familiar rivals and new challengers alike.

Championship Calendar

The youngest crop of competitors in Alberta Golf Championship play are returning to a familiar course in 2026, as Alberta Springs Golf Resort is the host of the 2026 U15 & U13 Championship come August 17-18. 

The U15 & U13 Championship is entering its second season as a separate event, following the impressive success it saw in 2025. The change saw over 80 players competing in the two-day event last year at Lakeside Golf Club. The change came with the separation of the U17 division into its own championship providing those older players another WAGR ranked event for college recruitment, while letting the younger players have their own event without the pressures of the older generation. The change increased total junior participation numbers by 40 players if compared to the 2024 championship. 

Alberta Springs has been a tremendous supporter of Alberta Golf having hosted a junior championship since 2020. The courses’ central location makes it an ideal location for players from across the province to attend the event. The course sets up beautifully for players of all skill levels offering four different options for players to use to tee off. The course offers plenty of variety for players including some holes where precision is required on your tee shot like Holes #2, #4, #10, and #16. There are also places where the juniors can let it fly including #1, #3, #9, #14, and #15. 

Alberta Springs GR Website

This championship is special, as it has four different divisions all competing at the same time. There’s a Boys’ and Girls’ divisions for both U15 and U13. Players must be under 15, as of August 1 in order to be eligible to compete. For more information about eligibility for this championship click the link below. 

As for the field this year, new champions will likely be crowned in all the divisions. Last season saw Bennett Love and Oscar Gosgnach both repeat as champions in the U15 and U13 categories, while new champions were crowned in both Girls’ divisions with Olivia Van Kesteren and Danika Horcica claiming their maiden victories with Alberta Golf.

The U15 & U13 Championship is the perfect place for players to begin exploring championship golf, but it’s recommended that new players try out our McLennan Ross Alberta Junior Tour before registering. The MRAJT is the #1 competitive onboarding junior tour in the province, where education and fun in golf go hand in hand. The goal of the tour is to educate new juniors on the ins and outs of championship golf like scoring procedures, swapping scorecards, and the Rules of Golf, while keeping a fun and stress-free atmosphere. 

Championship Calendar

MRAJT Schedule